Targeted murders, weapon attacks raise alarm in Hyderabad

A series of recent murders in Hyderabad has drawn attention to targeted attacks involving knives and sickles. Police say the cases appear unrelated, with motives ranging from personal rivalry to vehicle theft, while investigators rely on CCTV footage and forensic evidence

Hyderabad: A series of murder cases reported in the city in recent weeks has put the spotlight on a surge in violent crime, particularly the growing use of knives, sickles and other weapons in targeted attacks.

The latest incident occurred on Monday in Bandlaguda, Nagole where a rowdy-sheeter, Mohd Nayeem, was hacked to death inside a wine shop permit room. Police suspect previous enmity with a childhood friend as the primary motive. CCTV footage captured the attackers tracking and chasing Nayeem before attacking him with knives and sickles.

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In another case, Rajshekhar, a cab driver from Begumpet, was allegedly murdered by a four-member gang from Maharashtra who booked his vehicle posing as passengers. Police said the suspects killed him after taking control of the vehicle and allegedly intended to steal the cab. His body was later found near Rudraram in Patancheru.

Police have also made some breakthrough in investigating the killing of Mohd Mehboob Ali, an AIMIM functionary, in Vattepally. Seven people, including a juvenile, were arrested in connection with the case.

Another violent crime included the alleged rape and murder of a 21-year-old nurse at Tukkuguda. Forensic testing reportedly linked the suspect Md Sanaullah, to the crime.

Police investigations in the cases point to separate motives including alleged personal rivalry and vehicle theft.

According to police, most victims were allegedly specifically followed or targeted rather than being killed in random attacks. Also, knives and sickles were allegedly used in some of the recent attacks.

Investigators are relying heavily on surveillance footage and forensic evidence to reconstruct the crimes and identify suspects.

Senior police officials said there is currently no verified evidence that the recent killings are connected or represent one organised murder network.